Menu
18/06/2012
Benefits To Be Limited For Striking Workers
The work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, has announced that the government is to limit the amount of benefit paid to workers if they take part in a strike.
Under changes to be introduced with the new universal credit from next year, workers claiming benefit will lose any top-up if they are responsible for a reduction in their pay as a result of joining a strike.
The worker on strike would continue to receive a basic benefit if they are in receipt of the universal credit. But if their income drops as a result of joining a strike, their universal credit will not increase.
Duncan Smith said: "It is totally wrong that the current benefit system compensates workers and tops up their income when they go on strike. This is unfair to taxpayers and creates perverse incentives. Striking is a choice, and in future benefit claimants will have to pay the price for that choice, as under universal credit, we no longer will."
Brendan Barber, the general secretary of the TUC, said: "This is petty and vindictive. Workers are always reluctant to strike, depriving their families of benefits will leave low-paid workers even more vulnerable to bad treatment."
(H)
Under changes to be introduced with the new universal credit from next year, workers claiming benefit will lose any top-up if they are responsible for a reduction in their pay as a result of joining a strike.
The worker on strike would continue to receive a basic benefit if they are in receipt of the universal credit. But if their income drops as a result of joining a strike, their universal credit will not increase.
Duncan Smith said: "It is totally wrong that the current benefit system compensates workers and tops up their income when they go on strike. This is unfair to taxpayers and creates perverse incentives. Striking is a choice, and in future benefit claimants will have to pay the price for that choice, as under universal credit, we no longer will."
Brendan Barber, the general secretary of the TUC, said: "This is petty and vindictive. Workers are always reluctant to strike, depriving their families of benefits will leave low-paid workers even more vulnerable to bad treatment."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 March 2009
Striking A Deal: UK Purchases Supersonic Stealth Jets
On a visit to Washington, Defence Secretary John Hutton has announced the decision to purchase three Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft - the UK's next generation of supersonic stealth fast jets. This deal marks a significant milestone in the UK's commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter project.
Striking A Deal: UK Purchases Supersonic Stealth Jets
On a visit to Washington, Defence Secretary John Hutton has announced the decision to purchase three Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft - the UK's next generation of supersonic stealth fast jets. This deal marks a significant milestone in the UK's commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter project.
08 March 2007
Investigation into arrest caught on CCTV
An investigation has been launched following the leaking of footage showing a woman being punched by a police officer. The Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Meredydd Hughes said that the police officer had not been suspended but that there would be an investigation so that the "full facts could be placed before the public.
Investigation into arrest caught on CCTV
An investigation has been launched following the leaking of footage showing a woman being punched by a police officer. The Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Meredydd Hughes said that the police officer had not been suspended but that there would be an investigation so that the "full facts could be placed before the public.
13 April 2011
Amendments 'Strengthen Postal Bill'
The Government has today published a number of amendments to strengthen the Postal Services Bill. The changes incorporate feedback from MPs, Lords, Royal Mail, other postal operators and the Communication Workers Union, as well as other interested parties.
Amendments 'Strengthen Postal Bill'
The Government has today published a number of amendments to strengthen the Postal Services Bill. The changes incorporate feedback from MPs, Lords, Royal Mail, other postal operators and the Communication Workers Union, as well as other interested parties.
25 November 2014
Universal Credit To Be Extended To Families
Universal Credit (UC) is to be extended to families for the first time, it has been announced. UC is described as the government's "flagship" welfare reform programme, and prior to this was only available to single people and couples.
Universal Credit To Be Extended To Families
Universal Credit (UC) is to be extended to families for the first time, it has been announced. UC is described as the government's "flagship" welfare reform programme, and prior to this was only available to single people and couples.
15 April 2005
Workplace racism is ‘damaging’ careers, TUC claims
Racism in the British workplace is “damaging” the career prospects of many black workers, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has claimed. The TUC said that black workers get less training opportunities, although they are often better qualified than their white counterparts.
Workplace racism is ‘damaging’ careers, TUC claims
Racism in the British workplace is “damaging” the career prospects of many black workers, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has claimed. The TUC said that black workers get less training opportunities, although they are often better qualified than their white counterparts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
